Jeanne Smith, TLCI Associate Director, has been part of The Learning Community International since its founding in 1984. Before starting her family, Jeanne earned a master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Maryland, College Park, supervised a private nursery school, and worked as a librarian in several Maryland public schools.

In the early days of TLCI, Jeanne’s role as an advisor to dozens of home educating families came naturally because together, she and her husband Manfred Smith, were already engaged in educating their own three children.

The Smith family was one of the first to homeschool in the state of Maryland, and Jeanne assisted in the development of the Maryland Home Education Association, one of the first organizations of its kind in the country.  Jeanne hosted other firsts in her home to discuss homeschool legislation and more like John Holt, Nancy Plent, John Gatto, and Nancy Wallace; all homeschool pioneers

For over 15 years, Jeanne provided personal guidance and support to homeschooling parents, while overseeing each of their children’s individualized learning plans.  She led regular support group meetings for parents courageous enough to be part of a grassroots movement, and assisted in organizing the annual Maryland Home Education Association Conference attended by hundreds of families from across the state.

Using the core of TLCI’s original vision, Jeanne continues guiding the administration with her insight, expertise and wisdom.

Jeanne has two grandchildren, loves to quilt and knit and in 2020 celebrated 50 years of marriage with her husband, Manfred Smith.